Formula one star Mark Webber has raised moral concerns over whether the season-opening grand prix in Bahrain should go ahead, according to The Sydney Morning Herald (22/2).

The report says that the Middle Eastern nation is riven with internal struggles as protesters seek political reform to establish a constitutional monarchy.

''When you hear of people losing their lives, this is a tragedy,'' the Australian said. ''It's probably not the best time to go there for a sporting event. They have bigger things, bigger priorities.''

In the meantime Libyan president Muammar al-Qaddafi has appeared on television in an address judged incoherent by foreign observers. He threatened his opponents with death.

Gaddafi led a putsch against King Idris es-Senussi I on 1 September 1969 ending the constiutional monarchy and installing a dictatorship.